Difference between revisions of "Newbold Astbury"

Astbury is an older settlement than Congleton, both forming part of the ancient parish of Astbury. At the time, Astbury was surrounded by swampland. The inhabitants moved uphill to where Congleton is today and Astbury became isolated. According to the National Heritage List for England, there are 25 buildings recognized as designated listed buildings, and one is St Mary's church. The church of St Mary's remained the parish church for Congleton for many years; it sits at the apex of the village green and is in the Early English and Perpendicular styles, built between the 13th and 15th centuries.<ref>[http://www.astburychurch.org.uk/ Astbury Church Official Web Page.] Retrieval Date: 23 August 2007.</ref> The church was built of millstone grit and the detached spire of the mid-14th century looks to be earlier.<ref>{{cite book |last=Betjeman |first=J. |authorlink=John Betjeman |date=1968 |title=Collins Pocket Guide to English Parish Churches: the North |location=London |publisher=Collins |page=100 |asin=B000S6ZLXW}}</ref> Inside the proportions and the furniture are both distinguished. The fine woodwork includes 15th-century stalls, screen, and magnificent roofs. Sir Gilbert Scott was responsible for a modest restoration in 1862. Close to it is Astbury St Mary's Church of England Primary School. The [[Cheshire]] section of the village of [[Mow Cop]] is part of Newbold Astbury and [[Scholar Green]].